What Is MTHFR?

MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, now isn’t that a mouthful. Everyone of us has the MTHFR gene that causes us to produce the MTHFR enzyme. This very important enzyme is the catalyst for many important processes that take place within our bodies; such as amino acid balance, DNA synthesis and repair, regulating gene expression, converting inactive folic acid or folate into the active form your body uses.

An MTHFR mutation is an inability to process folic acid, which is vitamin B9. A folic acid or folate deficiency leads to a host of illnesses, including neurological and autoimmune disorders.

The MTHFR enzyme plays a direct role in amino acid conversion, specifically in the homocysteine to methionine cycle. Methionine produces glutathione which is the body’s primary antioxidant. And the liver converts methionine into SAM-e which helps to metabolize the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin. These neurotransmitters are necessary for healthy nerve function, regulating mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, memory, and our much-needed sleep cycles. Without MTHFR enzyme conversion, our metabolic and cellular processes are affected. These processes are necessary for cell division, heart function, DNA synthesis, DNA repair, eye health, brain function, memory, and proper fetal skeletal and brain development.

Another necessary process is called methylation. Proper methylation enables the ability to detoxify heavy metals and dangerous toxins we come into contact with every day; whether from our food, our medications, the water we drink, or the air we breathe. Without the ability to methylate properly within cells, we can develop conditions such as heart disease, dementia, depression, migraines, as well as many different types of cancer, and the devastating effects of early miscarriage and birth defects, such as spina bifida and autism.

So as you can see both the MTHFR gene and the enzyme it produces are vital to life. But when there is a malfunction, a mutation in the gene expression, life falls apart and disease takes place.

One way to correct this malfunction, if possible, is to be tested for the MTHFR gene mutation. Not all labs test for this and not all insurance companies will pay for the testing. So it may take some additional research and funds on your part. But some options are: MTHFR.com (https://www.mthfrdoctors.com/mthfr-comt-lab-tests/ ), Spectracell Labs (https://www.spectracell.com/patients/get-tested/ ), 23andMe (https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/ ), or my doctor used Alpha Genomix (http://www.alphagenomix.com/personalized-medicine/#toggle-id-15 ). Most of these are $150 and under. And as a disclosure I can’t guarantee the results.

A second and extremely important way is through your diet. Nobody wants to hear the word “diet”. But it has been proven, that the things we eat, drink, or otherwise, directly affect our bodies, either positively or negatively. So if eating a green, clean diet can put us on the road to health, isn’t it worth the effort? And think of the money it may save in the long run. You may go to the doctor a lot less often and possibly reduce medication intake. Now that’s just a home run.

A third way, and also of vital importance, is tied to a proper diet. It is getting proper nutrition, most of which is found in our green, clean diet. But it includes getting the methylated vitamins necessary for whole body health. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not against a daily multi-vitamin/mineral, if your body can metabolize it. But if you’re like me. It does no good and is a waste of time and money. So getting with a good nutritionist who understands the process and can help you to get the methylated folate and B12 levels you need is vital.

Now that you understand better what MTHFR is all about, I hope you will enjoy my other blog posts discussing my personal journey in learning to live with and control my MTHFR illness.

 

Do you have a story to share or questions you would like to ask? Click here and go to my contact page. Contact Me